Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to the State of Delaware Hunting Seasons
If you're looking for more time to hunt deer, head to Delaware! The state offers one of the longest deer hunting seasons in the United States.
You can also now hunt deer, waterfowl (including swans), and turkeys on Sundays, giving you an extra day each weekend throughout the open season to tag out. The state is also considered a "bucket list" destination for many waterfowl hunters.
Ready to plan your State of Delaware hunting seasons for this year? We're here to help! Keep reading for information about season dates, hunting licenses, bag limits, and more.
We'll also help you find the best areas to hunt so you can scout every hunt ahead of time.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Delaware?
It's a small state (land-wise) with a long deer hunting season. Plus, it's an excellent spot for waterfowl hunting and spring turkey hunts.
Delaware offers five months of open-season dates for hunting whitetail deer. With a large deer population, the state encourages hunters to harvest does to help manage the population.
So, whether you live in Delaware or want to plan more than one deer hunt this year, it's a great state for a hunt this year.
Where Should I Hunt?
If you're looking for the opposite of a mountainous trek to track your game, Delaware delivers on that. You'll enjoy the flat terrain, coastal marshes, minor hills, and hardwood forests spread throughout nineteen public wildlife areas (or 68,000 acres of land).
So, there are plenty of places to hunt! Just make sure you understand land boundaries and rules that apply to specific wildlife areas.
HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas while also helping you navigate land boundaries. When hunting in Delaware this year, use the app to scout and mark the best places to hunt.
When Can I Hunt?
So, when should you plan your first hunt of the year? Our Delaware Hunting Guide will help you pinpoint the dates to put on your calendar, whether you're after deer, turkey, waterfowl, or other small game.
Note that the information we provide is the latest available from the DNREC. We'll update this guide with the latest season information as new information becomes available.
Additionally, we recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting and trapping season dates before finalizing your hunt plans.
Delaware Deer HuntingSunday hunting is allowed on private land (with permission from the landowner) and designated public lands.
| TurkeyThis year, hunters can hunt on Sundays. The Spring season runs from April 12 – May 10. The state has also set aside a special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters on April 5. |
Delaware Waterfowl SeasonAs with deer and turkeys, hunters can now hunt on Sundays throughout the open season dates. Ducks, Sea Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers: October 26 – November 3, November 25 - December 1, and December 14 – January 26. Canada Goose (Resident): September 1 – 25 Canada Goose (Migratory): November 28 – December 1 and December 21 _ January 15 Brant: December 21 – January 5 and January 18 – 31 Snow Goose: October 18 - February 1 Snow Goose (Conservation Order): February 2 – April 11 Swans
| Other Migratory BirdsMourning Dove: September 1 – 29, October 19 – 27, and December 6 – January 26 Rails: September 1 – November 9 Woodcock: November 25 – December 1 and December 21 – January 27 Snipe: September 24 – December 1 and December 21 – January 27 Moorhens & Gallinules: September 1 – November 9 Crow: July 4 – March 29 (Thurs, Friday, and Saturday only) and June 26 – 28 |
Small Game AnimalsGray Squirrel: September 16 – February 28 (closed during November deer firearm season, No Sunday hunts) Cottontail Rabbit: November 25 – February 28 (No Sunday hunts) Groundhogs: July 1 – June 30 Ring-Necked Pheasant (Male Only): November 25 – February 28 (Sunday hunts allowed) Bobwhite Quail: November 25 – February 28 (Sunday hunts allowed)
| CoyoteSeptember 2 – February 28 |
Visit the DNREC website for the latest updates and specifics about season dates for the animals listed above and any others not in this guide.
What Do I Need to Know About Delaware Hunting Laws?
All hunters born after January 1, 1967, must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license. Then, you'll need a license that corresponds with the game you plan to hunt.
Hunters can purchase licenses through Delaware's online e-Permitting system (Digital DNREC). Prices vary based on Delaware resident vs. nonresident status. If you plan to hunt waterfowl, you'll also need a waterfowl stamp.
What are the Bag Limits?
How many deer, turkeys, or swans can you bring home this year? To comply with Delaware hunting laws, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt.
Here's an overview:
| Deer | 2 antlered bucks per season No limit for antlerless | Bobwhite Quail | No limit |
| Turkey | 1 bearded per year | Snow Goose | 25 per day (no possession limit) |
| Ducks & September Teal | 6 per day (18 in possession) | Snow Goose (Conservation Order) | No limits |
| Sea Ducks | 6 per day (18 in possession) | Swan (Tundra) | 1 per season |
| Coots | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Swan (Mute) | No limits |
| Mergansers | 5 per day (15 in possession) | Mourning Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Canada Goose (Resident) | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Rails (King & Clapper) | 10 per day (30 in possession) |
| Canada Goose (Migratory) | 2 per day (6 in possession) | Rails (Sora & Virginia) | 25 per day (75 in possession) |
| Brant | 1 per day (3 in possession) | Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Crow | No limits | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Gray Squirrel | 6 per day (12 in possession) | Moorhens & Gallinules | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Cottontail Rabbit | 4 per day (8 in possession) | Crow | No limits |
| Groundhogs | No limit | Coyote | No limits |
| Ringed-Neck Pheasant | 2 per day (4 in possession) |
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
When hunting in Delaware, you need the right gear!
Successful hunts require the right hunting knife, a solid pair of binoculars, the right clothing, and a good rifle for firearm hunts. As you get geared up for the season, use your gear discounts through our HuntWise partners.
From clothing to optics and odor control, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear.
HuntWise is Your Guide to Hunting in Delaware
We've shared a lot of information in this guide, and we hope it's helpful as you plan your hunts this season! Be sure to consult official resources, too, when finalizing your plans.
What else do you need for success when hunting? The HuntWise hunting app! With the app, you can scout and plan your hunt before heading out — helping you gain an advantage over other hunters. HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting private or public hunting land.
Plus, Elite subscribers get access to our exclusive FieldGuide+ content with hunting tips from our Pros — and save up to 40% on gear from our partners.
Download the app and start your free trial.
Previous in State Hunting Guide
More Content Like This
The Guide to Wisconsin Hunting Seasons 2024
If you like big bucks (white-tail bucks, that is) and the potential to add a bear to your hunting trophies, Wisconsin is the place to hunt. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to hunt turkey in the spring and fall. Read More
Read More
The Guide to Michigan Hunting Seasons 2024
Hunting in Michigan is a deep tradition, often marked by “going to deer camp” to start the season. With access to everything from turkey, deer, and even bear and elk, as well as many non-game species, hunters can hunt nearly year-round.Read More
Read More
The Guide to Ohio Hunting Seasons 2024
As one of the top states for hunting whitetail, Ohio is a destination hunting ground for many hunters. If you’re after a trophy buck, the Buckeye State could deliver for you this year. It’s also an excellent spot for hunting and trapping furbearers (...Read More
Read More- State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Wisconsin Hunting Seasons 2024
If you like big bucks (white-tail bucks, that is) and the potential to add a bear to your hunting trophies, Wisconsin is the place to hunt. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to hunt turkey in the spring and fall. Read More
Read More - State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Michigan Hunting Seasons 2024
Hunting in Michigan is a deep tradition, often marked by “going to deer camp” to start the season. With access to everything from turkey, deer, and even bear and elk, as well as many non-game species, hunters can hunt nearly year-round.Read More
Read More - State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Ohio Hunting Seasons 2024
As one of the top states for hunting whitetail, Ohio is a destination hunting ground for many hunters. If you’re after a trophy buck, the Buckeye State could deliver for you this year. It’s also an excellent spot for hunting and trapping furbearers (...Read More
Read More
1 of 3